Obituary - Arthur "Frank" Franklin Gorsage

Arthur “Frank” Franklin Gorsage, 68, Freeman, MO, passed away Monday, October 4, 2021 at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville, MO. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 11, 2021 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville with visitation from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Burial to follow in Freeman Cemetery, Freeman, MO.

Frank was born October 27, 1952 to Calvin and Josephine (Fangrow) Gorsage. He graduated from Freeman High School. Frank worked primarily as a mechanic for Ford Tractor and then Starlight Trailers, but really was a jack of all trades, capable of fixing almost anything. He married Mary Ann Sollis on June 2, 1990 in Archie, Missouri. Frank loved the lake, whether that was sitting outside by the fire, listening to old country music with his cup of coffee or out on the water fishing or kayaking, the lake was a place he made memories with his family. Family was one of his greatest joys as he loved playing horseshoes with his children and spending time with his grandchildren. You could find him tinkering around the house working on things at any given time as he was not the type to sit still. He was a member of the Freeman Baptist Church. Frank will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Evelyn Green and Emma Chamness. He is survived by his wife 31 years, Mary Ann; two sons: Josh (Janee) Gorsage and Brandon (Heather) Gorsage; two daughters: Rebecca (Dale) McGaughey and Jennifer (Matt) Thompson; 11 grandchildren: Aaron, Bailee, Cooper, Destinee, Xavier, Alicia, Damion, Kora, Karson, Tallen, and Kalie; three brothers: Calvin (Dee) Gorsage, Ron (Betty Jo) Gorsage, and Dan (Brenda) Gorsage; two sisters: Arlene (James) Welch and Carol (Don) Davidson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

MoDOT News Release: Watch for wildlife movement on state roads

Watch for wildlife movement on state roads

Missouri ranks 15th in the country for potential vehicle/deer collisions

JEFFERSON CITY — It’s always exciting to see wildlife like deer and coyote when driving through rural Missouri—until they decide to jump into the road in front of your car. The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be prepared for the sudden appearance of wild animals on Missouri roadways during the cooler fall months.

“As the days grow shorter, more motorists are driving on dark roads when deer are more active,” said Natalie Roark, state maintenance director. “This leads to a larger number of crashes involving deer and other wildlife from mid-October through the end of November.”

Fall is breeding season and deer are on the move. A report from State Farm Insurance ranks Missouri 15th in the country for potential deer collisions.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were 3,639 traffic crashes involving deer in 2020, resulting in 348 injuries and five deaths. Most deer strikes occurred at dawn and dusk in October and November.

Drivers should never swerve to avoid animals in the road as it can cause loss of control of their vehicles, resulting in serious injury or death. To avoid hitting a deer, always be cautious and keep your eyes scanning both sides of the roadway.

“Distracted driving—particularly when wildlife is on the move—can be deadly,” Roark said. “Always buckle up and put your phone down when driving.”

If you can’t avoid a collision and it has resulted in the death of the deer, there are several options you can take:

According to Missouri law, an individual who has struck and killed a deer with their vehicle may claim the deer carcass if written authorization to possess the deer is granted by a Missouri Department of Conservation agent. 

The Wildlife Dispensation permit is free, but you need to contact the Missouri Department of Conservation to obtain the permit.

Do not jeopardize your safety to remove the animal in a high traffic area. Notify MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). Crews will address any deer/animal/debris on a highway that is a safety hazard, meaning that the carcass is in the driving or passing lane, or partially in either lane or on the shoulder. Crews will drag the carcass to the outer portion of the right of way, outside any active drainage ditch or channel.

If the deer is completely off the roadway, MoDOT will not pick it up unless it impedes mail delivery or is in a neighborhood, especially at or near a bus stop.

If a deer is located on the shoulder, MoDOT will address the deer during normal work hours. MoDOT crews will not be called out after hours to remove an item, unless it is a safety hazard. MoDOT does not have specialized crews assigned to remove dead animals from the roadway and does not contract out any roadkill removal.

Three Day Forecast

There will be more isolated to scattered showers, and possibly a few thunderstorms, across the area today, mainly during the afternoon hours. 

The precipitation chances shift east for Thursday with dry weather and clearing skies returning for Friday. 

Temperatures will be near normal today and Thursday with above normal temperatures heading into the weekend.

Obituary - Rachelle Battagler-Jones

Rachelle Battagler-Jones, age 61, of Rich Hill, Missouri passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021. Rachelle's wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Siloam Mountain Park in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Rachelle “Shelly” Battagler-Jones was born on August 18, 1960 in Richmond, Missouri. She was the daughter of Cecil Battagler Jr. and Zoe Marie (Oyer) Battagler.

Shelly, as many knew her, was a loving mother, sister, friend, aunt and one hell of a fighter of Cancer and many life’s challenges. She loved family entertainment and her whole world revolved around the love of her son Sam, family and friends. She grew up in Orrick, Missouri.

She is survived by one son Samuel Jones of the home in Rich Hill, Missouri, two brothers; Roger Battagler of Carson City, Missouri, Russell (Wendy) Battagler of Camden, Missouri, one sister; Renee (Ron) Bartley of Rayvlle, Missouri, her nephews; Shawn Battagler, Tony Battagler, Robbie Battagler, Chris Battagler, Nathon, Landon and Josh Bartley, Travis (Erin) Battagler and nieces; Rebecca Battagler McGill, Tamie Battagler, Jamie Newsome and Tracy Battagler-Stanley, and several great nieces and nephews and great- great niece and nephew.

She is preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers Randy and Ricky Battagler.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

Some good news for Butler residents

Due to an anticipated slowdown regarding the US Postal Service, the decision was made during tonight‘s Butler city council meeting to not charge late fees on utility bills for the month of October. Payment must be made by October 20 to avoid disconnection.

Congratulations to Kevin Pluss

Congratulations to Kevin Pluss on being selected to receive the $1,000 Charles W. Cummings Scholarship. He received the scholarship during the recent MO-CASE conference for special education administrators in Missouri. 

Mr. Pluss was selected for demonstrating outstanding promise and a desire to further his career in the field of special education administration. Mr. Pluss is the Special Education Process Coordinator at Peculiar Elementary School and Ray-Pec South Middle School.

The Charles W. Cummings Scholarship was established as a memorial to honor Mr. Cummings’ outstanding service as a special education administrator. The scholarship supports graduate level training in special education administration.

Pictured, from left: Gayle Willey, MO-CASE Executive Director; Marlena Walley, Ray-Pec Director of Special Education and MO-CASE President Elect; Kevin Pluss; Ashley Krause, MO-CASE President; and Vicki McNamara, MO-CASE Past President.

Obituary - Suzella E. Graham

Suzella Elizabeth Graham, 66, Garden City, Missouri departed this life on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 7, 2021 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with cremation to follow the service.

Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 7, 2021 at the funeral home.

There will be a Celebration of Life Gathering following the service on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at the Garden City Community Building, 201 Willow Lane, Garden City, Missouri.

A complete obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

Obituary - Harlon Eugene “Duff” Cole

Harlon Eugene “Duff” Cole, 70, Nevada, MO passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021 at his home in Nevada following a brief illness. Duff was born October 31, 1950 in Kansas City, MO to Wayman E. and Mary L. (Burger) Cole. He married Joyce Wiggins on April 14, 1972 in Raytown, MO and she survives of the home.

Duff graduated from Appleton City High School Class of 1968. Following high school, Duff drove a truck for several companies including CFI out of Joplin for 20 years and retired in 1993. He came to Nevada in 1980 from Appleton City and has resided here since that time. He loved NASCAR, hotrods, and was an animal lover. Duff was a big man with a big heart. He was known to stop for any hotrod and spent many days feeding the neighborhood dogs and cats.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, he is survived by three children, Sundee Williams, Houston, TX, Ben Cole (Rhonda), Ft. Scott, KS, Beth Cauthon (John), Ft. Scott, KS; one grandchild, Hayden Cole, Chanute, KS; brother, Charles Cole, Butler, MO; sister, Mary Patterson (Tom), Belton, MO; as well as numerous nieces and nephews that he would do anything for. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, JoAnn Homan.

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, October 8, 2021 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

No other services are planned.